• Combine all ingredients, except the American Pistachios in a mixing bowl. With dough hook mix on first gear for three minutes (pick-up stage). Stop the mixer and put gearshift into neutral. Scrape down the side of the bowl and check the dough consistency. Restart in third gear for seven more minutes. Add the American Pistachios and mix on slow until well incorporated.

• Lightly dust the surface of a workbench and place the dough onto the surface. Cover to prevent the dough from drying out. Bench rest for 15 minutes.

• Divide into. 80 g (2.85 oz) pieces and round, lining the dough pieces up uniformly. Cover. After 5 minutes bench rest, shape into ovals. Place six pieces together. Use a sheet pan, which have been lined with parchment paper. Glace with egg wash and score. Top with flaked almonds or rock sugar.

• Proof until doubled in size.

• Bake at 190°C (375° F) for 8-10 minutes or until done.

Notes:
• This bread can be made into individual buns, by placing them separately on a sheet pan. (3x4)

• The standard of identity for milk bread/rolls requires that all liquids must either be added as whole milk, or it must contain an equivalent amount of nonfat dry milk plus water and milk fat. 8.2 kg (8.2 lbs) dry whole milk per 100 kg (100 lbs) of flour as per Food and Drug Administration- FDA guidelines.

fun facts

Pistachios, when eaten with high-carbohydrate foods, may result in lower than expected blood sugar levels, an important factor in reducing risk of diabetes.

According to a Penn State University study, it is suggested that pistachios reduce the body's biological response to stress.

One serving of pistachios has as much potassium (300mg, 8%) as an orange (250mg, 7%).

Pistachios are high in phytosterols which may lower cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of heart disease. In animal studies phytosterols have been shown to potentially have anti-cancer properties.

One serving of pistachios is 49 nuts, more than any other tree nut.

Forty-nine pistachios serve up to 20 percent of your Daily Value of B6, about the same as half an avocado.

You can obtain more dietary fiber from a serving of pistachios (3g) than a 1/2 cup of cooked broccoli, and the same amount of dietary fiber as an orange or an apple — approximately 10 percent of the Daily Value.

Just a single serving of pistachios provides you with the same amount of protein in a one-ounce serving of soybeans and can serve as a protein alternative to meat, poultry or beans according to the USDA Food Guide Pyramid.

Pistachios are a naturally cholesterol-free snack and contain just 1.5 grams of saturated fat.

Celebrate the greatness of nuts! October 22 is National Nut Day and February 26 is National Pistachio Day!